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Link to the image since the port office pulled it from their website. Remember, the president had to approve this.

(CNSNews.com) - A terror suspect charged with the attempted murder of two U.S. soldiers -- before a judge ruled that his confession was coerced and inadmissible -- returned home to Afghanistan on Monday, the same day news broke of a policy change in interrogations. After many Democrats and some Republican lawmakers called the Central Intelligence Agency’s interrogation techniques such as playing loud music and waterboarding “torture,” President Barack Obama reassigned interrogation responsibilities from the CIA to the National Security Council – which is run out of the White House, the Washington Post first reported.

WASHINGTON -- The CIA's internal investigator found that interrogators conducted mock executions of terror suspects and in one case threatened a detainee suspected in the USS Cole bombing with a gun and power drill, congressional officials said late Friday. The disclosure is contained in a 2004 report by the CIA's inspector general, which has keep secret and is to be released next week, two officials told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not yet been cleared for release. The report's findings were first reported by Newsweek on its Web site Friday night. In...

U.S. Steel Corp. will soon idle three coke oven batteries at its Clairton Works, the result of the steelmaking slowdown and current economic conditions, the company said today. The batteries will be kept in what's called hot-idle status, meaning they will remain hot to maintain structural integrity, but won't be making coke, a major ingredient in making steel. U.S. Steel spokeswoman Erin DiPietro said the company is "adjusting its production according to customer demand."

NORTH ARABIAN SEA, Aug. 28, 2008 – Several senior military officials visited the USS Abraham Lincoln here Aug. 26 and yesterday. The visitors included Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq; Army Gen. David McKiernan, commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; Navy Adm. Eric Olson, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, acting commander of U.S. Central Command. The senior officers toured the ship, attended briefings, visited with Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing 2 crewmembers and awarded...

9/11 steel poured for USS SomersetBy KIRK SWAUGER Published: August 06, 2008 11:35 pm SOMERSET — The old draglines that towered above the reclaimed strip mine where Flight 93 crashed near Shanks-ville almost seven years ago are gone. But their symbolic significance to the day average Americans fought back against terror will not be lost. Twenty-two tons of steel from one of the large cranes was melted and poured Wednesday for the stemhold of the USS Somerset, a Navy vessel being constructed in honor of Flight 93’s passengers and crew. “We’re going to be cutting the water for that ship...

We Swedes wish to honor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_S._Cole True Swedes - like I - love America. Yes, we are Europeans and you are Americans. Often, we insult each other, by employing various methods. Yet, you are our sisters'N'brothers and nothing will ever change tHAT. I would give my life up for America. The US is a nation which believes in true freedom. This idea will conquer the world.

The USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, glistening from a full-body makeover, arrived in style at Staten Island on Wednesday to the cheers, hoots and hollers of former crew members and World War II veterans. "It's like running into an old girlfriend who had a facelift," said 82-year-old Ray Stone, a former Navy radar man who served on board the Intrepid from 1943 to 1945. "I nearly broke down in tears when I saw her," said Stone. "Her bottom has been scraped of barnacles and she looks just like she did way back when." Stone was among about 400 people who attended...

BISBEE — A replica of the USS Bisbee now rests in the council chambers of Bisbee city hall. Thanks to donations by members of the USS Bisbee Association, the name-sake model frigate is proudly displayed where all the citizens of Bisbee may see it. The 11 surviving crew members, and family, of the 304-foot long Coast Guard frigate arrived in Bisbee Thursday morning to present the hand-crafted ship and a stainless steel plaque to the city in a special ceremony. The men of the ship have always held the City of Bisbee and its copper mines in high regard, said...

SAN DIEGO, April 5, 2007 – The United States gained 59 new citizens here yesterday, as 59 servicemembers took the oath of citizenship aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Cleveland. Army Sgt. First Class Jose Vargas, center, joins 58 sailors and Marines in taking the oath of citizenship aboard USS Cleveland in San Diego, April 4. U.S. Navy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. With retention and recruitment at the highest levels in recent history, officials said the Navy can now afford to focus on shaping the force to ensure the best-qualified, most diverse candidates are challenged to...

SCIO, N.Y., March 26, 2007 ? The Navy honored Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham March 24 by naming a guided missile destroyer after the fallen Marine hero during a ceremony here. Hundreds of students, teachers and veterans packed the gym of Scio Central High School as Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter announced that the name of the Navy?s newest Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer would honor the memory of the Marine Corps? most recent Medal of Honor recipient. Dunham is the Marine Corps? first Medal of Honor recipient for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned the Medal...

ABOARD USS JOHN C. STENNIS, March 6, 2007 – Navy, Marine Corps and Army personnel are working side by side aboard the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Stennis Strike Group is afloat in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, which encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. “This is the epitome of a joint operation,” said Navy Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3. “Our primary mission is to conduct air operations in...

Shes underway at last Have a look on Earthcam

Photo #1. Somewhere on planet Earth a USAF C-141B Starlifter Cargo and Troop Transport lights up the sky with a spectacular and awesome flare release. USAF Image ID: 021205-O-9999G-017. PhotographerSenior Airman Greg Davis, United States Air Force Courtesieshttp://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/021205-O-9999G-017.jpghttp://ChamorroBible.org/gpw/gpw-20060914.htm (photo as sized above, ALT text, caption info) Photo #2. Italy, August 28, 2006: A Member of Explosive Ordnance Mobile Unit Eight (EODMU-8) practices static line parachute proficiency operations with combat equipment on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy. USN Image ID: 060828-N-3572Z-025. PhotographerMass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad Zenthoefer, United States Navy Courtesieshttp://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=38550 (caption)http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/photos/060828-N-3572Z-025.jpghttp://ChamorroBible.org/gpw/gpw-20060905.htm (picture as sized above, ALT text)...

The captain of the USS Cole, who saved his ship from sinking after an al-Qa'eda suicide attack by speedboat, has lashed out at senior Pentagon staff blocking his promotion because of allegations that he could have done more to protect the ship. Commander Kirk Lippold, who now serves behind a desk at the Pentagon, accused the head of the navy, Admiral Mike Mullen, and the navy secretary of "over-riding the judgment" of officers who had recommended his promotion. He complained he was the only officer being held to account for the attack in Aden harbour six years ago. The Cole...

The Navy debuted its newest nuclear-powered submarine Friday in an Atlantic Ocean swing off the Florida coast, the second in the latest fast-attack class that marks a broad departure from the Cold War-era deterrence boats. The Texas, which will officially earn a "USS" designator in a commissioning ceremony in two weeks, weighs 7,800 tons, measures 377 feet long and can remain submerged on covert surveillance up to three months. It travels faster than 25 knots underwater and dives farther than 800 feet. "It's much more effective than any ship I've been on before," said Capt. John Litherland, who has been...

DEL MAR, Calif., Aug. 24, 2006 -- Del Mar Thoroughbred Club pulled out all the stops yesterday as it saluted more than 1,000 sailors of the USS Ronald Reagan just returned from a deployment to the Persian Gulf. Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Balasa and his daughter Sabrina, 6, watch the horses and trainers warm up prior to the start of a race at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif., Aug. 23. The racetrack opened its gates to the sailors assigned to the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan who returned from a six-month deployment just six weeks ago....

USS IWO JIMA , At Sea (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS Nashville (LPD 13), both assigned to the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), successfully and safely transited the Suez Canal, Aug. 20. As part of Commander, Task Force 59, both ships, and Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) provided crucial departure assistance to American citizens in Lebanon looking to leave the troubled region. USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) remained on station off Lebanon, ready to provide additional assistance as needed. “Every Sailor and Marine...

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy christened the amphibious assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) in a ceremony Aug. 19 at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss. Silke Hagee, wife of Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee, served as the ship’s sponsor. This is the first christening to be held at the Pascagoula facility since the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Makin Island, like other ships under construction in the Gulf Coast last year, was significantly impacted by Katrina, which ravaged the area. Through the efforts of the Post-Katrina Clean-up Team, removing debris and identifying...

RICHMOND, Va. - A Sailor accused of taking a Navy laptop containing classified information and peddling its contents to foreign governments is being held for possible court-martial, the military Wednesday. The Navy said that Petty Officer 3rd Class Ariel J. Weinmann gave the classified information, containing national defense data, to an undisclosed foreign government before he destroyed the computer. Weinmann, 21, of Salem, Ore., was confined at Norfolk Naval Air Station on six charges, the Navy said in a statement. The charges include three counts of espionage, including a suspected March 2005 visit to Bahrain, where Weinmann tried to pass...

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 17, after an 18-month deployment under the Atlantic Fleet’s Sea Swap initiative. The crew that returned to Norfolk assumed command of the ship Feb. 22, and successfully completed a deployment to the Persian Gulf, Horn of Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. While deployed, Gonzalez was tasked with assisting non-combatant evacuation efforts in Lebanon. The ship was the first U.S. Navy vessel to arrive in support of the evacuation efforts. “We’re an air defense platform and that is our job; we provided air defense...

Photo #1: 060728-N-7241L-026 Atlantic Ocean (July 28, 2006) - An F-14D Tomcat, aircraft number 100, assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) makes a near supersonic fly-by above the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The F-14 will officially retire in September 2006, after 32 years of service to the fleet. Theodore Roosevelt is completing Joint Task Force Exercises with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Laird (RELEASED). Caption Source: http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=37555 - Big Image Link: http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/photos/060728-N-7241L-026.jpg Photo #2: 060728-N-7241L-015 Atlantic Ocean (July 28, 2006)...

USS NASHVILLE, At Sea (NNS) -- A Utility Landing Craft (LCU) operated by Sailors assisting the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) landed in Lebanon, July 20, to begin transporting American citizens who have chosen to depart that country. The LCU deployed from USS Nashville (LPD 13) and is the first U.S. naval vessel to land in Lebanon in support of the voluntary departure of U.S. civilians. “Nashville moved into position this morning just a couple of miles off the coast of Lebanon,” said Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Ulmer, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4 liaison. “It launched its LCU and put...

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. Sailors and Marines from the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have been directed to assist in the authorized departure of American citizens from Lebanon. The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has requested military assistance to help American citizens who wish to depart Lebanon to leave in a secure and orderly manner. Commander, Task Force 59, Marine Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen, is in Cyprus directing military efforts to provide support to the Embassy. The ESG and MEU are operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of...

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The recovery and salvage ship USS Grapple (ARS 53) was decommissioned and transferred to Military Sealift Command (MSC) in a ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek July 13 after completing 20 years of accomplished service. At the ceremony, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Brand, Grapple’s last commanding officer, turned over command to Capt. Curtis Smith, a seasoned civilian mariner who has commanded almost 20 ships in his 27-year career with MSC. “It’s really neat as a lieutenant commander in the Navy to be able to command one of these ships,” said Brand. “It’s the largest ship...

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Experts at the Naval Historical Center in Washington, D.C., have confirmed that a World War II submarine wreck found in the Gulf of Thailand last year is USS Lagarto (SS 371). Underwater archeologists at the center completed their examination of evidence obtained in June by Navy divers from USS Salvor (ARS 52) and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, both based in Pearl Harbor. "We now know for certain that this is Lagarto," said Rear Adm. Jeffrey Cassias, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet submarine force. "I am grateful to all those involved in helping...

USS PELELIU, At Sea (NNS) -- Six ships and nearly 5,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the USS Peleliu (LHA 5) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) concluded operations in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations, July 9. Deployed Feb. 15 from San Diego and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Sailors and Marines assigned to Amphibious Squadron 3 and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC), supported operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom, and conducted maritime security operations (MSO) throughout the region. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well...

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Stefanie Holzeisen-mullen and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Brian Seymour, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Family and friends gathered at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek July 6, to greet the arrival of the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). Originally homeported at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, Fort McHenry was part of a “hull swap” in April with the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). The vessels “swapped” homeports while the crews remained assigned to their original locations. The hull swap was part of...

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 successfully completed the first operational portion of their deployment, July 6. The carrier now heads to the Western Pacific to begin operations with U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. While in U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), the nearly 6,000 Sailors assigned to the strike group supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as conducted maritime security operations (MSO). Coalition maritime forces continue to conduct MSO in the region to help set the conditions for security and stability...

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) passed through the Suez Canal, July 4, entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO). The ESG will conduct maritime security operations (MSO) throughout the region and support further tasking from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). “We're ready to begin our taskings in support of [MSO],” said Capt. Sinclair M. Harris, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4. “Our months of training will be used to support [U.S. Naval Forces Central Command].” MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment,...

PORT MAURA, Brunei (NNS) -- Sasebo, Japan-based USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Brunei for a scheduled port visit June 25, meant to enhance the relationship between the U.S. and Brunei. The visit will be highlighted by a number of social and goodwill opportunities between Patriot Sailors and the people of Brunei, including top dignitaries, members of the Royal Brunei Navy and special-needs kids. “Our primary mission here is to interact with the people of Brunei so that we can work to create a stronger mutual relationship between the United States and Brunei,” said Lt. Cmdr. Richard D. Brawley, Patriot...

USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73), North Arabian Gulf – Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen, turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 to Royal Australian Navy Commodore Peter Lockwood June 23. CTF 158 is responsible for Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG). This coalition force works with the Iraqi navy to protect key oil producing assets. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the NAG and protect Iraq 's sea-based infrastructure which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination. “These are some tough...

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group entered the U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of operations June 12, supporting Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe's strategic initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships with the nations and navies of Greece, France, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. While in the theater, the approximately 6,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to the ships, submarine and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will provide combat power and work alongside coalition naval forces to deny European waters to maritime security threats. “The Sailors and...

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- As part of a weapons testing phase, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) fired both of its new Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) systems at a remote-controlled drone for the first time, June 8. The ship’s two RAM launchers each fired one missile at a BQM-34 Firebee drone, which was about four miles out and incoming and had been launched from Point Mugu, Calif. Both missiles successfully hit the infrared beacons the drone was carrying from its wings. “They gave us a green light on both RAM missiles,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer Capt....

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious transport dock USS Nashville (LPD 13), guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), and fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) deployed June 6 as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ISG). The five vessels, which departed from Naval Station Norfolk, are en route to the Middle East for a six-month scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations. “We are already settling into the battle rhythm we’ll likely follow throughout the duration of the...

ABOARD USS MONTEREY, At Sea (NNS) -- Three ships led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 24 left the east coast June 5 and 6 to participate with naval forces from the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Australia, France and Spain in Neptune Warrior, a coalition course held in the North Atlantic. Capt. Robert Kapcio, commander, DESRON 24, and his staff are embarked aboard Norfolk-based USS Monterey (CG 61) and will use this opportunity to evaluate the ship and crew in addition to Mayport-based USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Boone (FFG 28), to certify each is ready for deployment...

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) returned to her homeport at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., May 31, after a four-month surge deployment operation in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT). Oak Hill deployed Jan. 24 along with the Naval Station Mayport, Fla.,-based guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and conducted maritime security operations as part of the Dutch-led Coalition Task Force (CTF) 150. “From start to finish, this crew performed flawlessly. They were phenomenal,” said Cmdr. Ray Stapf, Oak Hill’s commanding...

ABOARD AL BASRAH OIL TERMINAL, Iraq-- Culinary specialists assigned to the amphibious transport dock USS Ogden (LPD 5) are cooking four daily meals aboard Iraq 's Al Basrah (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya (KAAOT) Oil Terminals for the Sailors assigned to Mobile Security Detachment (MSD) 71. While serving as an afloat forward staging base (AFSB) for Commander, Task Group (CTG) 158.1 in the Northern Arabian Gulf, Ogden sent the cooks to live aboard the oil terminals to supplement MSD 71's previous daily routine of “meals on keels.” Previously, nearby coalition ships in CTG 158.1 would cook food aboard ship and...

ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 concluded military operations as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) May 29. The nearly 6,000 Sailors assigned to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group supported operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as conducted maritime security operations (MSO) in the region. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international...

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2006 – A U.S. Navy ship shot down a long-range ballistic missile in its final seconds of flight during a test yesterday. It was the first successful ship-launched intercept of a ballistic missile in its terminal phase, U.S. military officials said. During the Navy and Missile Defense Agency test, Aegis cruiser USS Lake Erie, equipped with technology to detect and track intercontinental ballistic missiles, launched a Standard Missile 2 to intercept a missile fired from the Pacific Missile Range facility on Kauai, Hawaii. "The test yesterday was an opportunity to see if a modified configuration of the...

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (NNS) -- More than 1,000 Sailors and 600 Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) arrived in New York May 24 for Fleet Week 2006. Kearsarge, along with seven other U.S. naval ships will visit Manhattan and Staten Island for the annual celebration from May 24-31. “Fleet Week allows us to show the character of our Sailors and Marines and the quality of the Kearsarge’s, equipment, technology and capabilities,” said Capt. Joseph Sensi, Kearsarge’s commanding officer. “We thank New York for showing such appreciation and support for those of us who serve.” During their visit,...

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The second Virginia-class submarine, PCU Texas (SSN 775), returned to Newport News after successfully conducting alpha sea trials, May 17. The sea trials were conducted to ensure all systems are functioning properly prior to the commissioning of the boat. The objective is to run all operating systems to the fullest extent of their capabilities. “We operated her through the full range of her maneuvering, diving and speed capabilities," said Capt. John J. Litherland, Texas’ prospective commanding officer. "She performed exactly as she is supposed to – no surprises. That is what we were looking for...

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Friends and family members said aloha to their submariners as the Pearl Harbor-based nuclear-powered attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701) departed her homeport May 16, for a six-month Western Pacific deployment. According to Cmdr. Pete Hildreth, La Jolla’s commanding officer, the crew is set to do their job. “The crew has been working hard since October to get ready for deployment,” said Hildreth. “The crew has worked hard on training for the upcoming missions, and now they’re looking forward to going out and doing what they’re trained to do.” Hildreth said his role is...

PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- USS Ogden (LPD 5), the Navy’s oldest active amphibious ship, is currently serving as the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) for the multinational maritime coalition operating in the North Persian Gulf. As the AFSB for Commander, Task Group (CTG) 158.1, the 41-year-old amphibious transport dock is providing logistical support for the various forces that are protecting Iraq’s territorial waters and oil platforms, as well as serving as a training platform for Iraqi sailors and marines. “The crew is having a wonderful time,” said Cmdr. James Hruska, Ogden’s commanding officer. “Everyone understands the importance of keeping these...

MEDITERRANEAN SEA– The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) hosted a special delegation of Moroccan dignitaries, high-ranking military officers and reporters to the ship Friday, May 12. Moroccan speaker of parliament, Abdulwahed Radi, was among the visitors to tour the massive ship, observe flight operations and experience daily life at sea. The distinguished visitors also met with the Commander of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Rear Adm. Ray Spicer and toured Big E's navigation bridge, flight deck control tower, hangar bay and foc'sle. Capt. Larry Rice, Commanding Officer of Enterprise, said the visit was part of U.S. efforts...

ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Mothers aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) received a warm embrace from Sailors from the Supply Department as a special luncheon celebration was prepared for them on the aft mess decks May 10. The ceremony was designed to celebrate Mother’s Day for the hundreds of mothers assigned to Ronald Reagan, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, who will be away from their children on the special day. Culinary Specialists, food service attendants and members of the ship's 3 & 2 Association provided the...

MANITOWOC, Wis. (NNS) -- Families of crew members who served aboard the World War II submarine USS Lagarto (SS 371) gathered here May 6 to honor the men whose submarine went missing six decades ago and was only recently located by divers. Lagarto was last seen May 3, 1945, in the southern Gulf of Thailand while preparing to strike an enemy convoy. Japanese records later indicated that the minelayer Hatsutaka reported sinking a U.S. submarine on that date. Last May, nearly 60 years to the day after Lagarto was lost, British diver Jamie MacLeod reported finding Lagarto sitting upright in...

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The fast-attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) returned home to friends and family in Norfolk, Va., May 7 after a successful six-month deployment as part of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). Norfolk played a crucial role as the only submarine assigned to the ESG. Norfolk brought stealth, endurance, mobility, agility and persistence while executing multimission tasking in direct support of the global war on terrorism. “I’m blessed to have a crew filled with tremendously talented Sailors,” said Cmdr. Scott Adams, Norfolk’s commanding officer. “Their performance throughout the deployment was nothing short of...

ABOARD USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Germantown (LSD 42) provided medical assistance to an injured Iranian fisherman May 7, in the Northern Persian Gulf. During routine surveillance of three dhows by Germantown’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, radio contact revealed an injured crew member on one of the vessels. The dhow’s master stated that the crew member injured a foot during rough seas the day before and requested medical assistance from the VBSS team. A corpsman from Germantown was then transported to the dhow, where he diagnosed the injured man with a severe sprain...

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW)1 departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va., May 2 for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment. Enterprise is the flagship for the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which includes the USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Nicholas (FFG 47), all based in Norfolk, the USS Alexandria (SSN 757), homeported in Groton, Conn., and USNS Supply (T-AOE-6), homeported in Earle, N.J. The nearly 7,500 Sailors in the strike group will conduct operations in the Middle East in support of the global...